Skin Tight
by Gary Henderson
directed by Ross Gumbley
starring Matt Hudson & Sia Trokenheim
The Forge @ The Court Theatre
3 April – 3 May, 8pm Monday – Saturday
Tickets: Adult $30, Court Supporter/Senior $25, Student $20
Bookings 963 0870 or www.courttheatre.org.nz
“Erotic and thrillingly dangerous."
“There is not a superfluous word and every word is perfect in its place.
A masterpiece…wrenchingly beautiful.”
Edgy, raw, and infused with sensuality, SKIN TIGHT is a portrayal of Elizabeth and Tom’s emotionally charged and
intensely physical relationship amid the South Canterbury plains. Returning from a triumphant South Island tour this
production epitomises the innovative and provocative theatre The Forge aspires to bring to Christchurch and Canterbury
audiences. It plays from 3 April until 3 May.
Inspired by Denis Glover’s poem THE MAGPIES, Gary Henderson’s stirring opus of yearning and memory won a Fringe First
Award in Edinburgh and is a seminal work in New Zealand theatre. Director Ross Gumbley is justifiably proud of this
“exceptionally complex play” and the resultant execution by its cast and creative team.
“You have to be able to sing, dance and act,”says Gumbley, “and Matt Hudson and Sia Trokenheim deliver performances that
not only showcase their talents but has you believing they have spent an entire lifetime together.” Julian Southgate’s
set design is strikingly simple with a stylised magpie motif as the backdrop and a chequered hand-stitched mat
symbolises the expansive Canterbury plains. Lighting is sparse and used to evoke a feeling almost like a boxing ring.
SKIN TIGHT features original music composed by Luke Di Somma and recorded live with a talented group of musicians. He
comments, “the music plays a bigger role to what I first envisioned with many of the most crucial and intense moments
underscored. Henderson calls for a ‘haunting Celtic melody’, and this is the inspiration for the main theme that
permeates the play.”
This masterpiece of New Zealand theatre is a moving journey through triumph, loss, passion and pain. It is humorous,
poignant and stirring; be sure to share in this timelessly passionate love story.
Note: contains nudity
ENDS